Biochemistry and Microbiology

5 simple ways to explore your career options

What can you do with your degree?

Need help with one of the tips below? Stop by room 110 of the Campus Services Building to meet with one of our career educators (see the drop-in schedule at www.uvic.ca/coopandcareer/advice). We can help you plan your next steps, whether that means looking for work related to your degree or researching graduate or professional school.

1. Network
Share your career goals and interests with your friends, family, professors and acquaintances. You never know who might have a lead on a job opportunity in your field! Check out www.uvic.ca/coopandcareer/toolkit for more networking tips.

2. Get involved
Try something newjoin the co-op program, volunteer, try a unique hobbyand pick up some new skills. These adventures could lead to future job opportunities. Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas:
Volunteer resources for UVic students www.uvic.ca/coopandcareer/volunteer Volunteer opportunities in Victoria www.volunteervictoria.bc.ca Volunteer opportunities across Canada www.govolunteer.ca UVSS clubs and course unions uvss.uvic.ca

3. Understand your competencies

Every life, work and volunteer experience helps you build competenciesknowledge, skills and attributes. Being able to identify, develop and describe your competencies can help you stand out to employers. The ten core competencies (these can be used in almost any workplace) Personal management Teamwork Communication Commitment to quality Managing information Professional behaviour Research and analysis Social responsibility Project and task management Continuous learning Some program-specific competencies for Biochem and Microbio (gain these through research-inspired learning in the classroom)
Gain knowledge of biochemistry or molecular biology, microbiology or immunology Understand and use the principles of the scientific method Instructs co-workesr in scientific procedure Develop and use scientific software to support research endeavours Conduct research in the field Use practical and safe techniques within a laboratory setting

Visit www.uvic.ca/coopandcareer/competencykit to learn more about building your core and programspecific competencies, as well as professional competencies valued by employers in your specific industry and cross-cultural competencies.

What can you do with your degree?

4. Research your options and plan career goals

What do you want to do after graduation? Explore the resources at www.uvic.ca/coopandcareer/journeykit to research career paths that match your goals and interests. Want to learn about the current labour market? Visit www.workingincanada.gc.ca. Popular biochemistry and microbiology jobs
Toxicologists Virologist Research assistant Bioinformaticist Biotechnologist Immunologist Biomedical engineer Anethesiologist Nutritionist Pathologist Oncologist Epidemiologist Food quality analyst Industrial chemist Quality inpector Teacher/professor Microbiologist Medical technologist

Want to know what jobs are possible after graduation and what jobs will require further study or training? Make an appointment with a career educator to discuss your possible career path.

Professional bodies associated with biochemistry and microbiology

These are just a handful of the professional groups connected to your industry. Visit www.workingincanada.gc.ca, www.workfutures.bc.ca, and www.careercruising.com for more. Canadian College of Microbiologists www.ccm.ca Canadian Society for Life Science Research www.cslsr.ca Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science www.csmls.org Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology www.asbmb.org

Job posting resources for biochemistry and microbiology jobs

This is just a sample and is not comprehensive. Want more? Visit us in room 110 of the Career Services Building or check out www.workingincanada.gc.ca, www.workfutures.bc.ca, and www.careercruising.com. New Scientist Jobs www.newscientistjobs.com Science Careers www.sciencecareers.sciencemag.org Med Hunters www.medhunters.com Canadian Science www.science.ca/scientists/jobs.php Biospace www.biospace.com Nature Jobs www.nature.com/naturejobs

5. Prepare for your job search

Once youre ready to look for work, stop by room 110 of the Campus Services Building for help with your rsum, cover letter and interview skills (see the drop-in schedule at www.uvic.ca/coopandcareer/advice). You can also check out job preparation resources at www.uvic.ca/coopandcareer/toolkit.

Discover career resources and support at www.uvic.ca/coopandcareer Find job postings, events and more at learninginmotion.uvic.ca